Mother of autistic boy, 3, who disappeared from his rural property swears he has been ABDUCTED - as police ask locals not to help with the search due to lockdown laws
The mother of an autistic boy who vanished from his rural home fears her son has been abducted - but police have warned locals they could be fined for breaching lockdown if they try to help find him.
Anthony 'AJ' Elfakak, three, was last seen at 11.45am on Friday morning at his home in Putty, 150km north-west of Sydney.
His mother Kelly Elfalak says she only turned her head for a moment and the young boy was gone. He has now been missing for more than 30 hours.
She said her son never wanders too far and thinks there may be a more sinister reason for his disappearance.
AJ's mother Kelly Elfalak has raised concerns that her son may have been abducted
The 250-hectare property where he was last seen has difficult terrain, making the search even more difficult for authorities
'I think he's been taken. If he was around here, I would've found him by now,' she said.
'He holds my hand all day, all night. We are together all the time.'
A neighbour claimed to have seen a 'suspicious' white Toyota ute on the property's private access road hours before AJ disappeared.
The 250-hectare property where he was last seen has difficult terrain, making the search even more difficult for authorities
Police have been conducting a search using trail bike officers, Police Rescue, The Dog Unit, police divers and helicopters but have asked the public to stay at home to avoid breaking Covid restrictions.
'Police are absolutely looking into every angle possible in relation to AJ's disappearance,' Superintendent Tracy Chapman said.
'Obviously our focus is very much around the search and trying to locate AJ.'
A desperate search is underway for three-year-old 'AJ' Elfalak who disappeared from a rural property almost 24 hours ago
The three-year-old boy with autism was last seen at a home on Yengo Drive, Putty, 75km south of Singleton in regional NSW just before midday on Friday
NSW Ambulance, State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and the Volunteer Rescue Association have also assisted in the search.
Authorities worked through the night to find the missing boy and more than 100 emergency services volunteers are still continuing the search on Saturday morning.
Anthony lives with autism and is non-verbal.
The young boy lives who lives with autism and is non-verbal is believed to be wearing a grey jumper and pants, and sneakers
Authorities worked through the night to find the missing boy, and are still continuing the search into Saturday evening
The young boy is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, with short dark hair and is believed to be wearing a grey jumper and pants, and sneakers.
NSW Police said in a statement public assistance is not required in the search for the young boy and reminded people that Covid-19 Public Health Order restrictions still apply in the region.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.